Activists clash with police

Sunday

Feb 14, 2010 at 1:15 AM

McCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS

VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Police in riot gear confronted more than 200 masked protesters who hurled newspaper boxes through the display windows of a popular department store selling Olympic souvenirs.

Seven people were arrested after officers carrying clubs and shields quashed the downtown protest on the opening day of competition at the Vancouver Olympics.

There were no immediate reports of injuries.

Those arrested could face a variety of charges, including assault, Police Chief Jim Chu said. At least one could be charged with weapons possession for wrapping a bicycle chain around his fist and threatening passers-by. None of the protesters was immediately identified.

Chu said police knew in advance about the protest, but decided to move in once they knew "criminals" were involved.

Authorities said they were wary of masked anarchists who dress in black.